Your Prescription
Request — Explained
When you request a repeat prescription, you may receive one of several responses from us. Here's what each one means and what to do next.
What this means
Your repeat prescription request has been reviewed by a GP and approved. Your prescription has been sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy, or is ready to collect from the practice. You do not need to call or come in.
Please allow up to 2 working days for your prescription to be processed. Requests made on a Friday may not be ready until the following Monday or Tuesday.
If your prescription is sent electronically, check with your pharmacy before collecting. They'll confirm when it's ready to dispense.
Please request your next repeat prescription with at least 5–7 days to spare before you run out. This gives us time to review it safely without causing a gap in your medication.
A note from the practice: We aim to process all repeat prescriptions within 2 working days. To help us do this safely, please don't leave requests to the last minute. Your GP reviews every repeat prescription before approving it — this is not an automatic process, and it helps us keep your medication safe and up to date.
What this means
Your prescription has been approved and sent for now. However, your GP has noted that this medication will need a review appointment within the next 6 months before it can be renewed again. This is a routine part of managing long-term prescriptions safely — it doesn't mean anything is wrong.
Many medications are monitored over time to confirm they're having the right effect — for example, blood pressure tablets, cholesterol medication, or thyroid treatment.
Some medications require periodic blood tests or physical checks — for example, to monitor kidney function, liver function, or blood counts.
Your health can change over time. A review gives us the chance to make sure your current medications still reflect your needs, and that you're not taking anything unnecessary.
Book your review approximately 5 months from now — this gives time to arrange any required blood tests before the appointment.
If you leave the review too late and your prescription lapses, we may only be able to issue a limited supply while the review is arranged. Plan ahead to avoid a gap.
Call the practice or use our online booking to arrange your medication review. Let reception know it's for a medication review when booking so enough time is allocated.
A note from the practice: A 6-month review is routine for many long-term medications and is not a cause for concern. It's part of how we make sure your prescriptions remain appropriate and safe for you. We appreciate your patience in keeping these appointments — they make a real difference to your care.
What this means
Your GP has reviewed your request and determined that a consultation is required before this prescription can be renewed. This may be because a scheduled review is overdue, because a blood test is needed, or because your medication requires reassessment. This is not a refusal — it's a safety step to ensure your medication remains appropriate for you.
A review was due at the 3, 6 or 12-month mark and hasn't happened yet. We can't safely continue prescribing without having seen you.
Some medications — such as those for thyroid, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, or mental health — require regular blood tests before they can be safely continued.
Your GP may want to discuss whether the dose is still right, whether the medication is still the best option, or whether something about your health has changed.
Please don't delay — if you're running low on medication, let us know when you call so we can prioritise your appointment appropriately.
If you are at risk of running out before your appointment, please tell the receptionist. In some cases we may be able to issue a small bridging supply to cover you.
Come prepared — bring a list of all your current medications and note any changes in your health since your last visit.
A note from the practice: We understand it can be frustrating to need an appointment just to renew a prescription you've been on for years. But these reviews genuinely matter — they catch problems early, prevent unnecessary medication, and ensure you're getting the right treatment. We're not here to create obstacles; we're here to keep you well.
What this means
Your GP has approved one month's supply of your medication to ensure you don't run out. However, this is a bridging prescription only — it has been issued so you have time to come in for a review within the next month. You will need to attend an appointment before a further prescription can be issued.
This supply buys you time to book and attend an appointment without running out of medication. It's a practical solution — not a sign that anything is wrong.
Some medications require blood tests before they can safely be continued long-term. We may ask you to have bloods done before or at your appointment.
A brief review allows us to confirm the medication is still working well for you and that no adjustments are needed.
Don't wait until the end of the month. Contact us within the next few days to secure an appointment before your supply runs out.
If blood tests are needed ahead of your review, ask reception when booking — we may be able to arrange these at the same time.
Once reviewed, your GP will update your prescription plan and issue your medication going forward.
A note from the practice: Issuing one month at a time is our way of making sure you don't go without medication while also ensuring we get the chance to review your care. We know this requires an extra step on your part and we appreciate your cooperation — it really does help us look after you properly.
What this means
This prescription cannot be issued as a repeat request. The medication involved requires a GP consultation before it can be prescribed or continued. This is not a refusal to help — it means the medication needs direct clinical assessment each time it is prescribed, for your safety.
Controlled medications are subject to strict prescribing regulations. A GP must assess the ongoing need at each prescribing episode. These cannot be issued as routine repeats.
Some medications are only appropriate for specific, assessed conditions. A GP needs to confirm the clinical need is still present before prescribing.
Some medications are initiated by a hospital specialist and are not suitable for repeat prescribing in general practice without an up-to-date specialist letter or shared care agreement.
If this is a medication you haven't been prescribed before, it will always require a consultation first — prescriptions cannot be issued for conditions that haven't been assessed in person.
Contact the practice to book an appointment with your GP. Let reception know what medication you need so appropriate time can be scheduled.
If the medication was prescribed by a hospital or specialist, bring any letters, discharge summaries, or clinic notes. This will help your GP make the most informed decision.
Please do not obtain prescription medication from online pharmacies without a valid prescription from a registered GP. This can be unsafe and may interact with other medications.
A note from the practice: We are not withholding medication unnecessarily. The requirement for a consultation exists to protect you. Prescribing certain medications without a proper assessment can cause harm — and it is our responsibility to make sure that doesn't happen. We are always willing to discuss your individual situation and find the most practical solution.
Important: This page explains our prescription processes in general terms. If you have a specific concern about your medication or health, please contact the practice directly. Never stop taking prescribed medication without first speaking to your GP.